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I must seem a bit of an old crock and have been running cross country for over 60 years (not that I feel the least but old).

I just wanted to write to say that I thought the race yesterday through Challock forest was superb, one of the best anywhere. The organisation, as last year, simply perfect. Not patronising, yet comforting enough for the bevy of younger women who took part (someone should have recorded (sound and video) the first 100 meters!).

The course seemed easier this year, especially on the way out (reconditioned forestry tracks).

Though on the return 1/2, what a brilliant platform for proper Brit-suitable cleated shoes – I, with many others found my shoes woefully un-grippy).

Being on the six foot side (somehow taller when running) your head traps caught be out a few times (branches thicker than expected hitting head). But all’s fair in love and mud pies.

Up Megaphone Climb near the camera obscura, at the top, someone’s loose and gorgeous greyhound managed to fell me, and a stony impact on knee didn’t help my fall. But that was nothing to what I did all by myself on spraining my ankle badly, less than a mile from the finish. So peeving.

Today my foot is elevated, iced, compressed and blue. And I’m still purring with contentment at the friendly atmosphere and superb circuit, marshalling, etc of the race.

You asked for feedback. Well a big thumbs up from here.
Suggestions to improve it …

What could be done about parking … don’t know. But fly-parking just about worked out OK for us.

The early race queue (for the first 1/2 mile). It would be nice if the gentler ladies and gents who struggle in mud could be persuaded not to jump ahead of the queue and cause backlogs. But maybe that’s all part of the challenge.

I didn’t try to leave my tracksuit in your tent (though assume I could have), but should have as hopping chilled down the road to the car after the race wasn’t such fun. Regrettably I missed the camaraderie and fun of the after race milling.

I really can’t think of how you could better the race. Perhaps a detour into truck mire around mile 2, just to spice up the out-leg. But then that long gentle descent is all part of lulling folks before the Flint Ramp wake-up.

Oh, maybe put a Google Earth track on the circuit on your web site (not that vertical dimensions on GE are accurate).

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The infamous Ashford Tri Club 666 trail run in Kingswood took place on 15th November with a sell-out capacity. The weather was dry and blowy but the course was wet, slippery, muddy and challenging in all the right places and the runners were treated to hellish hills, evil climbs and beautiful leaf covered mud pits in equal measure.

ATC members delighted in setting up the 6.66(ish) miles course on the Saturday, adding little sadistic twists to paths and trails, all to enhance the runners’ experience of course. On race day itself, numerous ATC members where out on the course to marshal the race, offering encouragement, slightly false information – note: it’s never the last hill! – and first aid for the odd bump and bloody knee.

Other members ensured registration went smoothly, car-parking organised, chip-timing provided plus the dirty task of removing the chips from mud encased shoes at the end.

First runner back was Lee Mameekin of Medway and Maidstone AC in a fantastic time of 47mins 16 secs – obviously ATC need to make the course harder next year to slow him down a bit. First female runner home was Candy Hawkins in 1hr 45 secs. And the most represented team was Dover Road Runners. All winners received a small trophy.

This popular run will be back next year – be ready to book your place to hell and back!

Ashford Tri Club is a small friendly group celebrating 10 years of Tri. Find out more information about becoming a member.

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A fantastic turnout at the Givaudan 10k for the club championship race. We have 2 new champions with Steve Williams winning it for the men, and Jennifer Kearns taking home the women’s trophy. Many PB’s seen today in perfect weather conditions.